How much does it cost to live in Colombia in 2026?
As an October 2026 estimate, one person in Bogotá or Medellín needs roughly $810 to $1,600 a month for rent, food, transport and health coverage. A couple needs about $1,100 to $2,200, and costs vary widely by city and neighborhood.
Dollar figures use Colombia's official exchange rate (TRM) of 3,238.88 pesos per dollar for 8 October 2026. The government open data portal publishes it. Prices come from Numbeo's crowd-sourced data, updated 2 October 2026, unless noted.
Rent: a one-bedroom outside central Bogotá averaged about $440 a month. A one-bedroom in central Medellín was about $1,030. Larger homes cost more.
Food: Numbeo's minimum grocery budget for Bogotá was about $256 per person a month. We allow up to about $400 per person if you eat out often. Transport: a bus or TransMilenio ride was 3,550 pesos, so 40 rides cost about $44.
Health: an independent worker contributing on the 2026 minimum wage of 1,750,905 pesos pays 12.5% for health, or 218,863 pesos. That is about $68 a month, as reported by ABC Economía. Higher incomes pay more, and many people add private plans.
Totals: these four lines come to about $810 to $1,600 for one person and $1,100 to $2,200 for a couple. Utilities, phone and leisure are extra. Numbeo put non-rent spending for one person in Bogotá at about $700.
Sovereo Index: See Colombia's full country profile: score, rank, pillar scores and nearby alternatives.
Sources
- Tasa de Cambio Representativa del Mercado (TRM) · Datos Abiertos Colombia (Superintendencia Financiera data)
- Cost of Living in Bogota · Numbeo
- Cost of Living in Medellin · Numbeo
- Food Prices in Bogota · Numbeo
- Seguridad social de independientes sube a 499.008 mensuales · ABC Economía
Written and reviewed by Todd Allyn, Founder, Sovereo Intelligence Research
Facts checked Oct 8, 2026 · Next review by Jan 8, 2027
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